Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly is finally airing on NBC, and Kelly is bringing on a controversial media figure to help boost the show. On June 18th, she will interview InfoWars radio show host Alex Jones. And many NBC viewers are furious with Kelly’s decision, arguing that the interview will give legitimacy to Jones’ beliefs.
Jones is a conspiracy theorist known for stoking a wide range of claims, targeting everything from GMOs to President Obama. Previously, he’s argued that 9/11 was an “inside job,” he’s claimed that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was faked, and he believes the government has been working on a gay bomb. Concerned NBC viewers are worried that, by giving Jones a position to talk about these beliefs, he may spread his following and cause further pain to the families that lost loved ones during 9/11 and Sandy Hook.
https://twitter.com/andylassner/status/874089722154369025
https://twitter.com/williamcson/status/874284330641747968
https://twitter.com/Marmel/status/874069269293563904
Don't give scumbag Alex Jones TV time on NBC. Are you only going to interview monsters, Megyn?
— Terry J. Richard (@trichardpdx) June 12, 2017
Kelly responded to some of the backlash by suggesting that her role as a journalist is to “shine a light” on some of Jones’ beliefs. But others still feel her actions are reckless, giving credibility to a far-right conspiracy theorist.
POTUS's been on & praises @RealAlexJones' show. He's giving Infowars a WH press credential. Many don't know him; our job is 2 shine a light. https://t.co/5e88BJyqnz
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 12, 2017
Many pointed out that the interview would land on Father’s Day, sending a harrowing message to the families that lost their loved ones during the Sandy Hook shooting.
https://twitter.com/Nelba_MG/status/874225139445006336
https://twitter.com/KaivanShroff/status/874253760981323777
This is airing on Father's Day. Imagine losing your child in a shooting while the man who denies it happened gets an interview. #ShameOnNBC
— Danielle Rogus (@daniellelrogus) June 12, 2017
Danielle Vabner lost her younger brother during the Sandy Hook shooting, and previously wrote about her dedication to gun violence prevention for the Daily Dot.
H/T HuffPost